Indian Scientists Develop A Method To Produce Cost Effective Cathodes Used In Solar Cells From Human Hair

Cost Effective Cathodes Can Be Produced By Human Hair

The cost effective, metal free cathodes used in solar cells can now be produced by human hair. The team, led by Prof. Sayan Bhattacharyya at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata have used a bio-wasted-derived electrode as the cathode in a quantum dot sensitised solar cell device. This has been the first time where a bio waste has been used to produce cathode for solar cells.

Contrast from past metal free cathodes produced

The graphitic porous carbon cathode produced by Researchers at IISER is said to be better than traditional metal-based ones. The bio-wasted-derived electrode converts visible sunlight to power(electricity) much profoundly than the commercially available activated carbon cathodes. The green cathodes have potential to bring down the cost of solar cells, as reported by The Hindu.The power conversion efficiency has been enhanced since the cathode generates high open-circuit voltage. It has the higher efficiency to convert visible sunlight to electricity.

Process of producing graphitic porous carbon cathode

The human hair is first cleaned and dried. They are then subjected to pre-carbonisation by treating them with sulphuric acid at 165 degrees C for 25 minutes. It is then heated to different temperatures in the presence of an inert gas for six hours to carbonise so that it brings better electrical conductivity for charge transfer. The pores collapse with increasing temperature, and the porosity starts reducing. Then at 850 degrees C, green cathodes are fabricated, and highly catalytic graphitic porous carbon is produced. The whole process is simple, quick and inexpensive. The porosity, with high surface area to volume ratio, plays an important role in adsorption-desorption of an electrolyte. The result of the research and process has been published in the journal Carbon.

The Logical Indian congratulates the team at the IISER on the remarkable achievement.

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An Army Colonel Is Changing Lives Of Thousand Of People From North-East Using White Bullets

Retiring after spending 32 years in the Indian Army, Col Chris Rego is helping change the destinies of hundreds of children in conflict-affected North East India through his “White Bullets” initiative. With this initiative, he hopes to bring peace and progress to communities across North East India.

Luminouswanted to bring out the Colonel’s story to the world to inspire and motivate others as it believes that education is a strong tool to empower women. It is supporting Col Rego’s cause through an initiative called #Luminaries – the brave people who stand up for causes like girl child education and make a difference in the society.

Col Rego’s journey started over a decade ago in Manipur when a tribal woman knocked on his door pleading for support for her daughter’s education. Touched by the woman’s story, Col Rego and his wife delved into their savings and arranged for the money for the girl’s education. Two years down the line, the woman returned, this time with a small pumpkin and a shawl that she had knitted, and all the money she had borrowed. Moved and realizing that their money could make lives rather than earn paltry interest, Col and Mrs. Rego embarked on a journey to arrange for sponsorship of many more underprivileged children.

Retiring from the Army, Col Rego took over as CEO of Sunbird Trust, a not-for-profit organization which he founded in 2014. The Trust now sponsor over 1,000 children in 21 locations acrossNorth East India. The centre of Sunbird Trust’s activities is at beautiful Ijeirong, Manipur.

Recognizing Col Chris’s immense work, Luminousacknowledged him as their first Luminary. Through this, they hope to bring more power to his elbow in the notable work he is doing. The Luminousteam travelled to remote Ijeirong village and installed solar products. These solar products will help in providing power to the entire campus 24/7 for the very first time.

The Logical Indian salutes Col Christopher Rego for his untiring efforts and leadership. His efforts are already having a cascading effect on people from across India joining the “White Bullets” endeavour. Quite amazingly, education, in itself so empowering, is merely a means to PEACE. We hope the path illuminated by #Luminary Col Rego and his Sunbird Trust team acts as a beacon for others to follow.

If you too have stories of change, share them with us. And if you want to connect with Colonel Rego, click here.